What causes lymphoedema? Can it affect other parts of the body?
Short answer
In children, lymphoedema is usually primary, meaning the lymphatic system did not develop normally before birth. Lymphatic vessels may be too small, too large or may not contract properly and transport lymph as they should.
Although swelling most often affects the feet and legs, lymphoedema can occur almost anywhere in the body. It may affect the arms, hands, fingers, face, eyelids, neck or genital area. In very severe and rare cases, lymph fluid can also build up inside the body, for example around the lungs, inside the abdomen or, more rarely, around the heart.
Some children can develop lymphoedema as adults do after the treatment of a cancer such as melanoma or other tumors when surgery of nodes and radiotherapy is needed.
Although swelling most often affects the feet and legs, lymphoedema can occur almost anywhere in the body. It may affect the arms, hands, fingers, face, eyelids, neck or genital area. In very severe and rare cases, lymph fluid can also build up inside the body, for example around the lungs, inside the abdomen or, more rarely, around the heart.
Some children can develop lymphoedema as adults do after the treatment of a cancer such as melanoma or other tumors when surgery of nodes and radiotherapy is needed.